Britain’s Labour government is facing growing criticism following reports of advanced talks over a major defense contract with Israel’s Elbit Systems.
According to The National, the deal—valued at roughly £2 billion ($2.69 billion)—would make Elbit a strategic partner of the UK Ministry of Defence, responsible for training up to 60,000 British troops annually through advanced simulation systems.
Elbit is competing against US-based Raytheon for the contract under the British Army’s collective training program. The shortlist was narrowed to the two firms in February. If awarded, the deal would significantly expand Elbit’s existing ties with London, which already include the £57 million “Vulcan” project, providing tank crew simulation training.
The potential agreement comes amid growing political and public pressure in the UK to impose a full arms embargo on Israel over the Gaza war. Activists from illegal "Palestine Action" have long targeted Elbit, staging protests and vandalism at its UK facilities, though in July the UK government declared the group a terrorist organization, making membership or support punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
